How to Start Writing Your First Book

Once upon a time… (scratch that…)

Long, long ago in a… (scratch that…)

In this book, you will… (scratch that…)

I’m going to write a book about… (scratch that…)

Ugh…

Starting your first book can feel like a daunting challenge, especially when faced with the blank page. But every bestselling author began with the same first step: getting words on the page. Here's how you can overcome the initial blank page to turn your ideas into a completed manuscript.

First—relax! The first page doesn’t have to be perfect—it just needs to exist. Start by brainstorming without judgment. Jot down everything about your story or topic: characters, settings, plot ideas, themes, or insights. This free-flowing approach helps you bypass perfectionism and generate creative momentum.

If you’re still stuck, try writing prompts or answering key questions about your book. For instance: What message or story do you want to share? Who is your target audience? What outcome do you want for your readers? What is the valuable idea that is dying to come out of you?

Often people, even those who are great writers, freeze when they try to begin writing their first book. Don’t let this be you. One of the best ways NOT to finish a book is to think about the whole book all at once. Don’t do this.

While it is good to start with a rough outline, even bullet points of each chapter with subpoints for each section, try not to think about the whole book, or you’ll become overwhelmed. Rather, create your rough outline, then look at a section in one chapter, then forget about everything else, and write just one single section at a time.

If I think about writing a 250-page book, I’m overwhelmed to the point of paralysis. If I even think about writing a 25-page chapter, I’m daunted. However, if I think about writing a three-page section of a chapter, that is easy. This is where you should start. After you finish this section, then only think about the next short section and nothing else.

If you’re consistent getting your short sections on paper, in no time at all, you’ll have built up a healthy number of pages that can be put together into a chapter… Then much later, if you keep it up, you’ll be putting chapters together and finalizing the draft of a full-length book.

Lastly, remember that first drafts don’t need to be perfect—they just need to exist. Every masterpiece begins with an imperfect draft. Start today, and let your words flow. Your story and your message need to be told, and the first move is as simple as putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard). This is the first small step in you becoming the author you know you will be.